Now we've got the pleasantries out of the way, welcome to our live coverage of Liverpool's weekly press conference, which we reckon could be a pretty interesting one.

That's because it looks like everyone's favourite madcap Italian striker could be on the way back to the Premier League.

The Reds have agreed a £16million with AC Milan over MarioBalotelli and the latest word on the street is that the former Manchester City man is winging his way to these shores as I speak (well, type).

We're here to bring you all the words that come from the face of BrendanRodgers, so stay tuned for that. But while we wait (as I'm sure you can all multi-task), check out the latest on Super Mario and other non-Super Mario transfers in our transfer live blog here.

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1:30 pm

Mario goodness

As you'd expect, there's been plenty of chitter-chatter regarding SuperMario over the last 24 hours, so while we wait for Brendan Rodgers to spring into action, here's some pre-presser reading.

Could signing up the Italian be Rodgers' shrewdest move yet as Liverpool boss? JimBoardman if the Anfield Wrap reckons it could well be. He writes:

"Balotelli won’t bring terrible controversies, he’ll bring madcap antics. For £16m, and with his record for mentoring younger players, this could be the shrewdest move Brendan Rodgers has made since arriving as Liverpool boss two years ago.

"With his goals and those madcap antics Balotelli will ensure football remains fun for Liverpool fans, even if it might take a bit of time for the whole of the Kop to come round to the idea. And there’ll always be something for the manager to talk about at his press conferences."

"One thing is for sure: Life won’t be dull at Anfield when Balotelli is around. And after turning Suarez into a £75 million player, who’s to say Rodgers won’t repeat the trick with another exotic striker?"

Just time, in fact, to read this piece called 10 reasons why Liverpool should bring back Mario Balotelli to the Premier League NOW.

Which, like a can of Ronseal, does exactly what his say on the tin.

Sticker-gate is in there, naturally. We've missed you Mario...

2:16 pm

Make your mind up time, Fabio

In other non-Mario Liverpool forward news, Sunderland boss GusPoyet has just confirmed that he still wants to snap up FabioBorini following his successful loan spell at the Stadium of Light last season.

The ball's in the player's court now, so Gus.

Seems like we're running a tad late at Melwood - but football press conferences aren't typically a place for fans of punctuality to hang out.

2:20 pm

David Anderson

David Anderson with an anti-climatic update from Melwood...

Brendan Rodgers refused to answer any questions about MarioBalotelli at his press conference at Melwood today.

Rodgers has never spoken publicly about signings until they are officially Liverpool players and stuck to that rule over the negotiations for Balotelli's £16million switch from AC Milan.

The Reds boss remained tightlipped, even though Balotelli was due to arrive in the UK today to tie up his move. The former Manchester City hitman is expected to have a medical in the North West today.

Liverpool have agreed personal terms with his agent Mino Raiola and hope to complete their move for the Italy striker this weekend.